Our Heritage
A century of passion for Scottish theatre.
KADS Drama was founded in 1900 with a simple but powerful vision: to nurture and celebrate the dramatic arts in Scotland. At a time when theatre was becoming a vital part of cultural identity, our founders believed that Scotland deserved a dedicated organisation to support performers, playwrights, and theatre-goers alike.
Throughout the 20th century, KADS Drama became an institution in Scottish culture. We hosted legendary performances, discovered exceptional talent, and built a community of theatre enthusiasts spanning the entire country. Our annual galas became must-attend events, drawing audiences from Edinburgh to Glasgow and beyond.
During these decades, we witnessed the evolution of Scottish theatre from traditional Victorian sensibilities to experimental modern forms. Through it all, KADS remained steadfast in our commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.
As the cultural landscape shifted, KADS adapted and evolved. We expanded our educational programmes, forging partnerships with universities and schools throughout Scotland. Our scholarship programmes began sending talented young performers to train at prestigious institutions across the UK and Europe.
The introduction of our raffle in the 1980s proved transformative, providing a sustainable funding model that allowed us to increase grants and support for the arts community. Every raffle ticket represented not just a chance to win, but a commitment to supporting Scottish theatre.
Today, KADS Drama combines the wisdom of our century-long heritage with modern innovation. We have embraced digital platforms to reach audiences beyond geographic boundaries, offering virtual performances and online masterclasses. Yet we remain committed to the intimate, transformative power of live theatre.
As we look ahead, KADS Drama remains dedicated to our founding mission with fresh energy and expanded ambition. We are committed to making Scottish theatre accessible to everyone, supporting diverse voices and innovative forms, and preserving the heritage that makes our theatrical tradition truly unique.
With supporters like you — through raffle tickets, donations, and participation in our community — we can continue to ensure that Scottish theatre thrives for generations to come.
KADS Drama founded
First annual gala held at Edinburgh Theatre
Expanded to include playwriting grants
Annual raffle established to support programming
Centenary celebrated with special anniversary productions
Digital archive and educational platform launched
Virtual performances launched during the pandemic
Continued expansion of youth and community programmes
Every ticket, every donation, every visit to our performances adds a new chapter to a story that began over 125 years ago. Join us.
